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On Black Friday, workers across 20 countries protested against Amazon, demanding better wages, working conditions, and union rights. The 'Make Amazon Pay' campaign highlights ongoing labor abuses and environmental concerns, with significant participation expected in India, Germany, and the US.
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Nik Storonsky, CEO of Revolut, criticized the UK stock market's liquidity and high transaction costs compared to the US. He indicated that a public listing in the US is more appealing for the fintech company, which recently achieved a $45 billion valuation. Barclays' CEO echoed similar concerns about the UK market's decline.
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A surge in matcha demand, fueled by social media, has led to significant shortages and price hikes for popular brands. Producers in Japan have raised prices by up to 40%, and some suppliers are pausing production. Consumers are feeling the impact, with limited availability expected until the next harvest.
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Recent developments highlight the potential economic fallout from President Trump's proposed tariffs on Chinese goods, which could reach up to 60%. Analysts warn of significant impacts on both the US and Chinese economies, with businesses preparing for a new wave of trade tensions. The situation remains fluid as companies assess their strategies.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has intensified his rhetoric against the U.S., accusing it of fostering global chaos. His statements come amid ongoing military cooperation with Russia and a commitment to bolster North Korea's nuclear capabilities. Relations with the U.S. remain strained, with no signs of renewed diplomacy following Trump's election.
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Defense chiefs from the US, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, and Australia met in Laos to reinforce security commitments in the Indo-Pacific amid rising tensions with China. The discussions focused on maintaining strong alliances and addressing concerns over China's military assertiveness, particularly regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea.
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A Seoul Metro conductor's restroom break caused delays for 125 trains, raising concerns about labor rights and operational protocols. The incident highlights the challenges of a one-person train operation system, prompting discussions on improving worker conditions and safety measures.
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As Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, his administration is considering a direct approach to North Korea's Kim Jong-un. This comes amid escalating tensions and North Korea's military cooperation with Russia, raising questions about the potential for renewed diplomatic efforts.
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As of December 1, 2024, China has expanded its visa-free entry policy to include travelers from nine additional countries, including Japan and Romania. This move aims to boost tourism and enhance international exchanges, reflecting a strategic shift towards greater openness amidst regional tensions.
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On December 3, 2024, the US Commerce Department added 140 Chinese chip-related firms to a trade blacklist, escalating restrictions on China's semiconductor industry. Representative John Moolenaar raised concerns about loopholes in the new export controls, which he believes allow some Chinese firms to evade sanctions.
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Sony is reportedly developing a new portable console that will play PlayStation 5 games on the go. This move aims to expand its market reach and compete with Nintendo's portable gaming dominance. The device is still years away from launch, but it reflects a growing trend in portable gaming.
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U.S. futures dipped while oil prices rose amid fluctuating Asian markets. Bitcoin surged past $100,000 following Trump's SEC nominee announcement. South Korea's Kospi fell amid political turmoil, while Japan's yen strengthened on inflation data. Wall Street anticipates a key jobs report, reflecting mixed signals in consumer spending.
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On November 26, 2024, the US Navy's 7th Fleet confirmed a P-8A Poseidon aircraft transited the Taiwan Strait, asserting navigational rights and commitment to a free Indo-Pacific. This follows heightened tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory and regularly conducts military operations near the island.
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Recent updates in organ transplant policies aim to improve access and outcomes for patients. The U.S. has expanded organ donation from HIV-positive donors, while Hong Kong faces a significant decline in heart donations. Japan is set to implement reforms to enhance transplant opportunities for high-priority patients by allowing multiple hospital registrations.
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A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect on December 4, 2024, following intense fighting that displaced over a million people. The agreement aims for a 60-day cessation of hostilities, with international monitoring. However, tensions remain high as both sides prepare for potential violations.
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Following the Biden administration's expanded technology restrictions on China, Beijing retaliated with significant trade measures. General Motors reported a $5 billion profit hit due to competition with Chinese automakers. Experts warn of a more aggressive trade conflict as both nations prepare for heightened tensions under the incoming Trump administration.
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A TikTok trend dubbed 'pink tote lid moments' has emerged, highlighting experiences of emotional and physical abuse among children. Originating from a viral video, users are sharing their stories, prompting discussions on parenting and mental health. Experts emphasize the importance of acknowledging these experiences for better understanding and support.
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Teachers at 32 non-academised sixth form colleges in England began strikes on November 28, 2024, demanding above-inflation pay increases. The National Education Union (NEU) argues for equal funding with academised colleges, which received a 5.5% pay rise this year. Further strikes are planned if the government does not respond.
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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's ruling coalition lost its majority in the House of Representatives during the October elections. He now seeks support from opposition parties to navigate legislative challenges while addressing public discontent over financial misconduct within his party.
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Following Australia's new law penalizing social media platforms for underage accounts, Japan is debating similar measures. This comes after a tragic incident involving a teenager's suicide that resulted in the death of a pedestrian, raising concerns about social media's impact on youth mental health.
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Recent discussions highlight changing attitudes toward parenthood, with many adults opting not to have children. Factors include personal aspirations, societal pressures, and concerns about the future. This trend raises questions about family dynamics and demographic shifts in various countries.
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Dong Yuyu, a prominent Chinese journalist, was sentenced to seven years in prison for espionage after being detained while dining with a Japanese diplomat in 2022. His conviction has drawn international condemnation and highlights the tightening grip of the Chinese government on media and foreign relations.
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South Korea's government boycotted a memorial service in Japan for wartime laborers at the Sado mines, marking a setback in improving bilateral relations. The decision stems from unresolved diplomatic tensions, particularly regarding Japan's acknowledgment of forced labor during its colonial rule over Korea.
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Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, faces a complex future as Japanese law requires her to renounce her royal status if she marries outside the imperial family. Public support for changing this law is growing, but conservative factions resist. Aiko continues her duties while working at the Japanese Red Cross Society.
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Recent discussions highlight the challenges of forming relationships amid mental health struggles. Individuals share experiences of past trauma, the impact of societal expectations, and the rise of AI companionship as a coping mechanism. These narratives reflect a broader conversation about trust, self-acceptance, and the evolving landscape of dating in the digital age.
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A Russian Kilo-class submarine, the Ufa, was spotted in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, raising alarms from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The submarine was reportedly returning to Vladivostok after joint exercises with the Malaysian Navy. Officials confirmed it did not violate Philippine maritime laws during its brief presence.
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Recent polls reveal a significant decline in mutual perceptions between China and Japan, with nearly 90% of respondents from both nations expressing negative views. This deterioration is attributed to historical grievances and current geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Taiwan and territorial disputes.
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The International Tennis Federation has announced that Italy will host the Davis Cup Final 8 from 2025 to 2027, with Bologna as the venue for the 2025 tournament. Italy, led by Jannik Sinner, recently won its second consecutive title in Malaga, Spain.
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Tenstorrent has raised $693 million in a Series D funding round, valuing the AI chip startup at approximately $2.6 billion. Led by Samsung Securities and AFW Partners, the investment aims to enhance Tenstorrent's engineering capabilities and develop AI training servers to compete with Nvidia's dominance in the market.
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Recent outbreaks of infections in Mexico and the Democratic Republic of Congo have resulted in numerous fatalities. In Mexico, a blood infection linked to Klebsiella oxytoca has claimed 13 lives among children. Meanwhile, Congo reports 71 deaths from a flu-like illness, with many victims being young children. Investigations are ongoing.
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South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, was swiftly rescinded after a parliamentary vote. The unprecedented move sparked protests and calls for impeachment, highlighting deep political divisions and concerns over democracy in South Korea.
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Donna Nelson, an Australian grandmother, has been sentenced to six years in prison by a Japanese court for smuggling methamphetamine. Despite claiming she was a victim of an online romance scam, the court found her guilty of violating drug laws. Nelson was arrested in January 2023 at Narita International Airport.
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The Grand Sumo Tournament will take place at the Royal Albert Hall from October 15-19, 2025, marking the first elite sumo event in the UK since 1991. This historic occasion celebrates the Japan Sumo Association's centenary and aims to showcase Japanese culture alongside the sport.
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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's recent declaration and rapid rescission of martial law has ignited a political crisis, leading to calls for his impeachment. The U.S. and Japan express concern over the implications for their trilateral alliance amid rising tensions with North Korea and China.
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On December 4, 2024, UNESCO inscribed Japanese sake on its list of intangible cultural heritage. This recognition highlights sake's significance in Japan's culinary traditions and aims to rejuvenate interest in traditional sake brewing amid changing drinking habits among younger generations.
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Starting April 2025, Tokyo will implement a four-day workweek for its 160,000 metropolitan government employees. This initiative aims to improve work-life balance, particularly for working mothers, amid Japan's ongoing demographic crisis and labor shortages.
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Japanese musician and actress Miho Nakayama has died at the age of 54. She was found in her home in Tokyo on December 6, 2024, shortly after canceling a scheduled performance due to health issues. The cause of her death is currently under investigation.